“It is long past time that the Vice-Chancellor ceased to sit on the committee which sets her pay. Up to now the VC has left the room when their pay is set, but they return to discuss the pay of other senior managers.

“Under the new arrangements, the VC will not be present to discuss their own pay, but will enter the room when the pay of senior managers is being set. In other words, there will be no substantial change to the VC's presence.

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“But it is important to remember that many people make a university successful.

“Members of staff, support staff, lecturers and the students themselves, so I’m looking forward to further improvements of the governance of the university.”

University announcement

Students at the university's Claverton Down campus

The university statement read: “At its scheduled meeting today, the Council of the University of Bath has agreed a number of measures to enhance its governance practice.

“Firstly, there will be a full, independent and rigorous Effectiveness Review of Council, conducted by a consultant selected according to procurement frameworks. This will consider fully the operation of the Remuneration Committee to ensure it reflects developing best practice.

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“Furthermore, at the suggestion of the Vice-Chancellor, Council has agreed that the Vice-Chancellor should no longer be a member of the Remuneration Committee.

“Finally, Council was informed that, to help ensure that future Court meetings are as effective as possible for all attendees, formal standing orders for the operation of Court are being prepared. These will be circulated to its members for comment in advance of its next meeting.”